Window structure



Aug. 20, 1963 H. B. NEAL ETAL WINDOW STRUCTURE 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 FiledSept. 14, 1960 Harry Neal Jo/m C' /fimgej JP.

l AFTORNEYS Allg 20, 1963 H. B. NEAL ETAL 3,101,135

WINDOW STRUCTURE Filed Sept. 14, 1960 4-Sheets-Sheet 2 www' INVNTRSHarry 5. Neal Jaim I /xmgefz Jn.

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ATTORNEYS Aug. 20, 1963 H, B. NEAL ETAL 3,101,135

WINDOW STRUCTURE Filed Sept. 14, 1960 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTORS Har/1yNeal Jo/Ln/ 6I Klingel; Jn 'SYM @nml /y am AT'TORNEYbl Aug. 20, 1963 H.B. NEAL ETAL 3,101,135

WINDOW STRUCTURE Filed Sept. 14, 1960 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 ATTORNEYS btatesThis invention relates to window structure and, more particularly, towindow structure in which the window `sash may be projected outwardly orinwardly with respect to the window frame.

Window structures of the projected sash type are finding increasingacceptance in modern building construction, particula-rly in connectionwith curtain wall structure for such buildings. In such construction,the window sash may be arranged .to project either outwardly or inwardlywith respect to the window frame, and the windows may be arranged toopen either at the top or the bottom. Such windows are sometimesreferred to as hopper type windows, or transom type windows if mountedabove a door frame.

One of the problems encountered in providing an improved windowstructure of the type described above is to eliminate the necessity ofhaving to utilize different sash shapes and ldifferent sash mountingarrangements for windows which open at the top as compared to thosewhich open at the bottom. In other words, it is desirable to be able toutilize one basic sash shape and a readily interchangeable sash mountingarrangement irrespective of whether the window is yto open at the top orat the bottom. Another problem encountered in connection with suchwindow structure is mounting the window sash tor movement with respectto the `window frame so that, during the course fof such movementweatherstrip or the like employed on the ywindow frame is not damaged bythe window sash. Such damage obviously imp-airs the weather tightness ofthe window when it is closed. The present invention is thus directed tothe solution of problems such as the foregoing, among others.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a newand improved window structure of the type wherein the window sash may beprojected either outwardly or inwardly with respect to the window frame.

It is another object of the present invention to provide such a windowstructure which isuniversal in the sen-se that the window sash may bemounted readily for opening either at the top or bottom with respect tothe window frame.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a windowstructure which includes means for mounting the window sash with respectto the window frame to prevent damage to weatherstrip or the like duringopening and closing of the window.

It is -still another object of the `present invention to provide such awindow structure which includes means for mounting the window sash withrespect to the window frame whereby the sash may be moved easily withrespect to the window frame and will maintain its position withoutrequiring additional supporting members.

Briefly described, a preferred embodiment of a window structureaccording to the present invention cornprises a metallic window frame(made of aluminum extrusions, for example) which carries an inner andouter weatherstrip seal, each weatherstrip extending about the innerperiphery of the window frame. The window sash is made up of `four sashmembers which `are connected together at mitered joints, and these sashmembers, of course, support the window pane. The sash members areprovided with outer ilange members which Contact the aforementionedinner and outer weatherstrip seals when the window is closed.

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The window sash is mounted with respect to the window frame by two pairsof crossed links, one .pair of links being located between one sash sideand the adjacent frame side, and the :other .pair of links being located.between the other sash side and the `adjacent frame side. The two linksof a pair move in sliding scissors relation to each other during openingor closing of the windowk since each link has one end which pivots withrespect to a window frame side and the other end of the link ispivotally connected with respect to, and moves with the window sash whenthe latter moves.

One of the links has an elongated slot therein of shallow Sconfiguration, and the other link carries `a pin member which ts withinthis slot. The arrangement is such that, at the start of opening of-thewindow, the pin engages a knee portion of the slot wall andrei-ces thesash top (assuming the window is being opened from' the bottom)outwardly with respect to the window frame. 'Ihis prevents the upperedge of the sash top from pressing into the associated weatherstrip, orsliding across this weatherstrip, `and thus Iprevents damage to theweatherstrip. As opening of the window is continued, the pin passes theknee portion of the slot wall, and the orientation of the centralportion of the slot is such that the pin substantially follows the slotthroughout the major portion of the remaining opening movement, duringwhich the window sash tilts with respect to the window frame.

When the window is closed, the pin follows a reverse path and thearrangement is such that the window sash is returned to its initialposition and into iirm engagement with the weatherstrip seals withoutlbiting into or scarring the seals during the closing movement. Nylonblocks slide in tracks at the side sash members during opening orclosing of the window, and the Ifriction between the sliding blocks andthe sash is readily adjusted to enable the blocks to maintain the sashin any position to which it has been opened or closed.

Other objects :and advantages of the present invention will become `moreapparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunctionwith the attached drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a window structure according to thepresent invention, partially broken away and with some components of thestructure being shown in dotted lines;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view taken on line 2-2 of FIG. 1 with thebroken lines showing the Window sash in open position;

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 with the broken li-nes showing theposition of the window sash shortly after the start of thewindow openingmovement;

FIG. 4A is a front elevation solid line showing of the right handlinkage assembly shown in dotted lines in FIG. 1; l

FIG. 4B is a front elevation solid line showing of the left hand linkageassembly shown in dotted lines in FIG. l;

FIG. 5 is a partial sectional view taken on line 5-5 0f FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a partial sectional view taken on line 6-6 of FIG. l; and

FIG. 7 is a partial sectional view taken on lline 7 7 of FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 1, the window frame is designated generally by thereference numeral ll, and includes top and bottom frame members 2 and 3,and oppositely disposed side frame members 4 and 5. These respectiveframe members are joined together by suitable means, not shown, to dennethe window opening which, conventionally, will be yof rectangular shape.The frame mem-bers may be made yof any suitable material and, in theembodiment shown in the drawings, they aremade of Ialuminum 3 extrusionshaving a cross sectional shape as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 although it isto be understood, of course, that this particular cross sectional shapeis merely illusrtrative since any suitable cross sectional shape may beemployed.

Referring to FIG. 2, it will be noted that the top frame member 2 isprovided with flange portions 6 and 7 which carry, respectively,weatherstrip seal members v8` and 9, each of which extends throughoutthe length of that side of the window opening dened by top frame member2. Sealing strips 8 and 9 may be made of any suitable material, vinylplastic material, for example. Sealing strip y is located inwardly withrespect Ito the exterior of the window opening and, accordingly, sealingstripY `8 may be referred to as the outer sealing strip and sealingstrip 9 may be referred to as the inner sealing strip.

Bottom frame member 3 is likewise provided with outer and inner sealingstrips as shown in FIG. 2. Correspondingly, the opposed side framemembers 4 and 5 are provided with outer and inner sealing strips and thearrangement is such that both the youter and inner sealing strips 8 and9 extend completely about the inner periphery `of fthe window openingdefined by the frame members to provide a complete double seal when` thesealing strips are contacted by cooperating flange portions of thewindow sash.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the window sash is designated generally bythe reference numeral 1% and is made up of top `and bottom sash members11 and 12, and opposed side sash members 13 and 14. Like the framemembers, these sash members may be made of any suitable material and, inthe embodiment shown in the drawings, are made of aluminum extrusionshaving a cross sectional shape as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. Thus,referring to FIG. 6, sash side 14 is `shown as having a front portion 43and a rearwardly extending body portion 44 which is provided with a pairyof spaced apart opposed hooked flange members 45 and 46 as shown inFIG. 6. A ller strip 47 has spaced apart flange portions 48 and 49 whichhave hooked ends which engage respectively with hooked flanges 45 andl46 as shown in FIG. 6 Filler strip 47 carries a suitable seal strip 50,made of vinyl plastic, for example, which is located opposite a similarseal strip 51 carried by sash side 14. The window pane 52 is locatedbetween and retained in place by sealing strips 50 and 51. Pane 52 willconventionally be made of glass.

As shown in FIG. 1, each sash member is mitered at its ends with themters corresponding so that, when the sash members are connectedtogether, the joints between them are mitered joints. Thus, as shown inFIG. l, there are for such joints, one of which is indicated by thereference numeral 15. The respective sash members may be retained inassembled mitered relation by any suitable means such as the anglemembers 16 shown -in dotted lines in lFIG. 1 and in solid lines in FIG.2.

Forming the sash members with mitered ends as just described makes itpossible to utilize the same sash shape irrespective of whether -thewindow is to project in or out at the top or at the bottom. This is incontrast to sash assemblies employing mortise and `tenon joints wherereversal of the window projection makes it necessary to employ sashshapes having a reverse mortise and tenon joint structure in order thatthe projecting portion of the window sash will present :the sameexternal appearance. Consequently, it is necessary to stock ditlerentsash shapes to be able fto provide either projecting top or projectingbottom windows which obviously complicates inventory -and even assemblyproblems. In contrast, a sash employing mitered joints according to thepresent invention presents the same external appearance whether it is toproject out or in from the top of the bottom and, therefore, only onebasic sash shape is required.

Referring again to FIG. 1, it will be noted that two vlinkage assembliesare shown in dotted lines as being generally by the reference numeral 17and is shown as v being located between frame side 5 and sash side 14.'Ihe left hand linkage assembly is designated generally by` thereference numeral 18 `and is shown as being located between frame side 4and sash side 13. The respective linage assemblies 17 and 18 are shownin front elevation in solid lines in FIGS. 4A and 4B, respectively. Asshown in these FIGURES, and as is also apparent from FIG. 1, therespective linkage assemblies are mirror images of each other. Also, asis brought out in greater detail hereinatter, the structure of the linksmaking up each assembly is such that the same link shapes may be usedirrespective of whether the window sash is lto project in or out withrespect to the window fname, or is to project at either the top or thebottom of `the window frame. Thus, like the window sash members, thereis only one basic shape required to satisfy these various types of jobrequirements.

Since the linkage assemblies 17 and 18 are mirror images of each other,a detailed description of one assembly is likewise applicable to theother lassembly. Right hand linkage assembly 17 is therefore chosen `forfurther description.

Referring to FIGS. l, 2 and 4A, it is noted that linkage assembly 17includes two link members 19 `and 2l?. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, link19' is shaped in what can be described as a shallow S coniiguration inthat the link has two parallel end portions 21 and 22 connected Iby aninclined portion 213 so that the end portions 21 and 22 are oset withrespect to each other. In contrast, link 2.6 is preferably a straightlink.

Both link members have one end pivotally connected to frame side member5 and their opposite ends pivotally connected with respect to sash sidemember 14. Thus, and tor the bottom projecting out arrangementillustrated in the drawings, the bottom end of link 19 is pivotallyconnected to frame side 5 by any suitable means such as pivot connectionZ4. The upper end of link 19 is pivotally connected to sash side 14 byany suitable means such as pivot connection 25. The upper end of link 20is pivotally connected to frame side 5 lby any suitable means such aspivot connection Z6, while the lower end of this link is pivotallyconnected to a slide-ble block member 27 `by any suitable means such aspivot connection 28. The respective connections are such that links 19and 29 are located in crossed relation 'as shown in FIG. 2, and so thatwhen they move with respect to each other the movement can be described@as being a sliding `scissors type of movement.

The link members are retained in cooperating relation with respect toeach other by a xed pin member 29 which is attached to link Zt? `and isllocated in 'an elongated `slot in link 19 designated generally by thereference numeral 30. Slot 3d has a longitudinal coniigurationcorresponding essentially to the `shallow S coniiguration of link 19.Thus, slot '3th includes two parallel end slot portions 31 :and 32 whichare connected by lan inclined slot portion 33 as shown in FIG. 2. Thepurpose of providing the two end slot portions 31 and 32 is to enablelink member 19 to be used for either a project out at the top or aproject out at the bottom window mounting. In the case of the projectout at the bottom arrangement illustrated in the drawings, pin member 29does not travel to any appreciable extent in end slot portion 3 2 but,where the positioning of link 19 is reversed to accommodate a projectout at the top arrangement, end slot portion 32 would be utilizedWhereas end slot portion 31 would not be utilized to any appreciableextent.

Referring to FIG. 2, window sash 10 is shown in solid lines as being inclosed position. Thus, the flange portions 34 and 35 of side sash member14 are shown as contacting sealing strips 8 and 9, respectively, yand itis, of course, to be understood that such flange portions of all of thesash members are in contact with the sealing strips throughout theextent of these sealing strips about the inner periphery of the windowframe. When it is ldesired to open the window, the bottom of the windowsash is pushed out by actuating a suitable handle or the like, indicatedgenerally by the reference numeral 36. As the bottom of the window sashis pushed out, the bottom end of link 20 obviously moves out also,pivoting about pivot connection 26. This causes pin member 29 to engagethe knee portion .37 (see FIG. 2) of the slot wall 'located between slotportions 32 and 33. Pin 29 therettore presses the upper end of link I9outwardly, causing the link to pivot about pivot connection 2li.

Movement of the upper end of link 19 causes the window sash to moveSubstantially horizontally ont with respect to the window frame beforethe window sash starts to tilt with respect to the window frame. This isillustrated in FIG. 3 where the broken lines show the top of the Windowsash as having moved away from the window frame prior to any appreciabletilting of the sash with respect to the trame. is prevents damaging thesealing strips S and 9 which could occur if the window sash angeportions 34 and 35 were to press into or slide across the sealing stripsas the window is opened.

As outward movement of the window sash continues, pin 29 moves alonginclined slot po-rtion 33, and then finally into end slot portion 31until the pin 4reaches the end position shown in broken lines in FIG. 2.Meanwhile, the upper edge of the window sash has moved down from theposition shown in broken lines in FIG. 3 to the position shown in brokenlines in FIG. 2. Pivot connection 25 has moved about pivot connection24- from the position shown in solid lines to the position shown inbroken lines in FIG. 2, while pivot connection 28 has moved about pivotconnection 26, and along the path indicated by broken line 28A to theposition shown in broken lines in FIG. 2.

During closing movement of the window, the respective movable pivotconnections travel back along their respective curved paths of movement,while the upper edge of the window sash first moves upwardly and thenfinally substantially horizontally inwardly from the position shown inbroken lines in FIG. 3 to the `fully closed position wherein sash anges34 and 35 are once again in snug engagement with sealing strips 8 and 9.It is to be noted that, when the window sash does finally close, the'sash anges move substantially directly against the outwa/rdly facingsurface of each sealing strip with little or l no sliding movementtaking place between the sash flanges and the sealing strips.

In order to maintain the window sash in any desired projected positionwithin the range of movement of the sash, block member 27 frictionallyengages portions `of side sash member 14 to lhold the sash in thedesired, projected position. Thus, referring to FIGS. 5 and 6 inparticular, block member 27 is shown as having two shoulder members 38and 39 which are located, respectively, within channels deiined byflange portions 4Q` and 4l of side sash member 14. Block member 27 alsocarries a set screw 42 which can be screwed in or out to regulate theamount of @friction between the block and cooperating portions off sidesash member 14 during sliding movement of the block with respect to sashmember 14. While block member 27 may be made of any suitable material,nylon has been found to be particularly suitable for this purpose.

As is evident from FIGS. l, 4A and 4B, there is a block member locatedat each side of window sash 10. During opening of the window byprojecting the sash out yfrom the bottom, the block members moveupwardly along the sash side to the position shown in broken lines inFIG. 2 when the sash is fully projected. The lower end of link 20therefore moves both pivotally and slidably with respect to the windowsash.

From the `foregoing description, it will be seen that a window structureaccording to the present invention embodies structnral `parts which areuniversal in the sense that they are readily adapted for use in windowsirrespective of whether the window is to project inwardly or outwardlywith respect to the window trame or is to project ,from the top or fromthe bottom. The mitered joint structure of Ithe window sash presents aneat appearance, Vand permits the use of one basic salsh shape, insotaras cross section is concerned, irrespective of how the sash is toproject out from the rframe. The mounting linkages cause the sash tomove substantially horizontally at the beginning of each 'openingmovement, and at the ending of each closing movement, thereby avoidingdamage to the weatherstri-p `seals employed on the window `frame.Finally, the window sash is effectively held in the desired projectedposition by slidable block members in which the amount of -frictionalengagement between the block members and the sides of the :sash may bevaried as desired.

While we have .described and illustrated a preferred embodiment of ourinvention, we wish it to be understood that we do not intend to berestricted solely thereto, but that we ydo intend to cover tallmodifications thereof which would `be apparent to one skilled in the artand which come within the spirit :and fscope of our invention.

We claim:

l. A window structure comprising a pair of spaced apart opposed windowframe side members, a pair of spaced apart opposed -window sash members,one of said sash members being located adjacent one of said tramemembers, and :the other of said sash members being located adjacent theother -frame member, and a pair of linkage assemblies, one of saidlinkage assemblies being located between one of said window framemembers and the adjacent window sash member, and the other of saidlinkage assemblies being located between the other window frame memberand fthe adjacent window sash member, each linkage assembly includingtwo links located in substantially parallel crossed relation to eachother, one of said links having one end pivotally connected to thewindow fra-me side member with which it is associated and the @oppositeend .pivotally connected to the adjacent Iwindow ysash member, and ftheother of said linlcs having one end pivotally connected to the Windowframe side member with which it is associated, and the 'other endpivotally and slideably connected to the adjacent window sash member,said linkage assemblies supporting said window sash members tor movementinwardly and outwardly with respect to said window frame members.

y:2, =In a window structure having a window frame member 'and a windowsash member located adjacent said window trame member, a linkageassembly supporting said lsash member lfor movement outwardly away fromand inwardly toward said window yframe member, said linkage assemblycomprising a first link member, a second link member, means pivotallyconnecting one end of said first link member to said window fnamemember, means pivotallly connecting the other end or said iirst linkmember with respect to said window sash member, means pivotally:connecting one en-d of said second link member to lsaid trame member,means pivotally connecting the @opposite end of said second link memberto said window sash member, and pin means carried by said first linkmember, said pin means being located in an elongated slot of shallow Sconfiguration defined by said second link member, said pin meansengaging a wall of said slot to iirst move said sash membersubstantially horizontally outwardly away from said frame member andthen sulbsequently in tilted position with respect to said frame member.

3. In a window structure having a window fname member and a window sashmember :located adjacent said window fname member, a linkage assemblysupporting said sash member for movement outwardly away from andinwardly toward said window frame member, said linkage assemblycomprising a first link member, a second link member, means pivotallyconnecting one end of said iirst:V link member to said Window l'framemember, means pivotally and slidably connecting the other end of saidiirst Ilink member with respect to said window isash member, meanspivotally `connecting one end 'of said second linkage member to saidframe member, means pivotalrly connecting the opposite end Kof saidsecond link member to 'said Window sash member, and pin means carried bysaid nst link member, said pin means being located in' Ian elongatedslot defined by said second link member, said pin means engaging a wallof said slot to move one end rof said Window `sash member outwardly awayfrom said window frame member when the opposite end of said sash memberis moved outwardly away from said frame member.

4. In a window structure having a window frame member and :a window sashmember located adjacent said window -frame member, a linkage assemblysupporting said sash member for movement outwardly away from andinwardly toward said iwindow -frame member, said linkage assemblycomprising 'a iirst link member, a second link member, means pivotallyconnecting one end of said nst link member to said window frame member,means pivotally and slidably connecting the other end of said first linkmember with respect to said window sash member, means to adjust thesliding lfriction between said "slidable connection means land saidwindow sash member, means pivotally connecting one end of said secondlink member, to said lframe member, means pivotally connecting theopposite end of said second 'link member to said window sash member,land pin means carired by said iirst link member, `said pin means beinglocated in an elongated slot defined by said second link member,

said pin means engaging a Wall of said slot to move one end of saidwindow sash member outwardly away from said window frame member when theopposite end of said sash member is moved outwardly 'away from said`frame member.

5. In a window structure having a window frame member and a window `sashmember located adjacent said window yframe member, -a linkage assemblysupporting said sash member for movement outwardly away from andinwardly toward said window frame member, said linkage assemblycomprising :a first link member, a second link member, means pivotallyconnecting one end of said first link member to s-aid window framemember, means pivotally land slidably connecting the other end fof saidrst link member with yrespect to said window sash member, means toadjust the sliding friction between said slidable connection means andsaid window sash member, means pivotally connecting one end of saidsecond link member, to said frame member, means pivotally iconnectingthe opposite end rof said second link member to said window sash member,and pin means carried by rsaid first link member, said pin means beingLocated in an elongated slot of shallow S configuration defined by saidsecond link member, said pin means engaging said slot Wall to iirst movesaid sash member substantially horizontally outwardly away -from saidfname member and then subsequently in tilted position with respect tosaid frame member.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS,

732,9()1 Schroeder July 7, 1903 2,516,075 Reynaud July 18, 19502,952,882 Reynaud Sept. 20, 1960

1. A WINDOW STRUCTURE COMPRISING A PAIR OF SPACED APART OPPOSED WINDOWFRAME SIDE MEMBERS, A PAIR OF SPACED APART OPPOSED WINDOW SASH MEMBERS,ONE OF SAID SASH MEMBERS BEING LOCATED ADJACENT ONE OF SAID FRAMEMEMBERS, AND THE OTHER OF SAID SASH MEMBERS BEING LOCATED ADJACENT THEOTHER FRAME MEMBER, AND A PAIR OF LINKAGE ASSEMBLIES, ONE OF SAIDLINKAGE ASSEMBLIES BEING LOCATED BETWEEN ONE OF SAID WINDOW FRAMEMEMBERS AND THE ADJACENT WINDOW SASH MEMBER, AND THE OTHER OF SAIDLINKAGE ASSEMBLIES BEING LOCATED BETWEEN THE OTHER WINDOW FRAME MEMBERAND THE ADJACENT WINDOW SASH MEMBER, EACH LINKAGE ASSEMBLY INCLUDING TWOLINKS LOCATED IN SUBSTANTIALLY PARALLEL CROSSED RELATION TO EACH OTHER,ONE OF SAID LINKS HAVING ONE END PIVOTALLY CONNECTED TO THE WINDOW FRAMESIDE MEMBER WITH WHICH IT IS ASSOCIATED AND THE OPPOSITE END PIVOTALLYCONNECTED TO THE ADJACENT WINDOW SASH MEMBER, AND THE OTHER OF SAIDLINKS HAVING ONE END PIVOTALLY CONNECTED TO THE WINDOW FRAME SIDE MEMBERWITH WHICH IT IS ASSOCIATED, AND THE. OTHER END PIVOTALLY AND SLIDEABLYCONNECTED TO THE ADJACENT WINDOW SASH MEMBER, SAID LINKAGE ASSEMBLIESSUPPORTING SAID WINDOW SASH MEMBERS FOR MOVEMENT INWARDLY AND OUTWARDLYWITH RESPECT TO SAID WINDOW FRAME MEMBERS.